My sister - not good news

samchaney · Regular Joined: 30 Apr 2008 Posts: 41

I thought my sister had good news a few weeks ago. She saw her oncologist and she told me that the lung tumour had shrunk after the chemotherapy.

Now she says she has received a letter saying that there is evidence of bone involvement and she seems in more pain. How can she be told the lung tumour showed evidence of necrosis (shrink) and then be told there is evidence of bone involvement. She has been having blood transfusions for anaemia and also infusions for high calcium levels. Is this connected. What a rollercoaster for her.

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1386

Oh Sam! I'm so sorry. It's a real tricky monster this lung cancer. Our minds think in logical ways, but cancer doesn't follow any logic. Cancer cells travel through blood stream until they find a place to "settle" and create new tumors. They begin to mutate, become resistant, and "outsmart" the chemotherapy. That's when you can see regression and progression at the same time. We had the same experience -- cancer shrinking in both lungs, but one new tumor grew in one lung. Makes no sense but, apparently, it doesn't have to.

I'm shocked that she received this news in a letter! That is so unprofessional. Hopefully they have her scheduled for a visit to see what the next step will be. Depending on the amount in the bones, they could opt to continue the current chemo and radiate the new growth or switch the chemo completely. They will probably also put her on Zometa, which will help give the bones strength to try and prevent more bone mets. How have her other tumors been responding to the current treatment? I think you mentioned they had gone to the adrenals and other areas already.

I think Simplyklb gave you some good links on high calcium levels in another post. I have no experience with this issue. Sorry!

Let us know. More prayers and hugs.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

dano · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 7:42 am Post subject: Re: My sister - not good news

Hello Sam;
Just checking in to see how you and your sister are doing. Praying for you both.
God Bless
Dan
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 817 Location: UK

[quote="samchaney"] How can she be told the lung tumour showed evidence of necrosis (shrink) and then be told there is evidence of bone involvement. [/quote]

Sometimes the bone involvement does not show on scans. It was probably already present but has only now been identified. With any luck and a following wind, the treatment may stop it developing further. In the meantime, as pbj11 says, there are treatments to strengthen the bone.

I too am surprised that this information was sent by letter and not given to her face to face. She does need to talk to the team about the possible side effects of the treatments she is having for calcium levels.

maryaz · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:14 pm Post subject: Re: My sister - not good news

I hope we can hear more from you. I too am surprised about the notice by mail. That would not set too well with me either.

I agree that this disease is a roller coaster and so overwhelming. I hope you find some better news by now.
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

kenneth scotland · Regular Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

Hi Sam

I am sorry to hear of this latest development for your sister. I can appreciate how disturbing and upsetting that must be for everyone in the family.

The priority now needs to be focussed on the best course of treatment given the circumstances. This is something that can stll be fought, so please remember that.

Stay strong and positive.

My best thoughts are sent for you and your sister. Please take care of yourself.

koikkeril · Super Moderator Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 334

[quote="kenneth scotland"]

The priority now needs to be focussed on the best course of treatment given the circumstances. This is something that can stll be fought, so please remember that.

Stay strong and positive.

I am thinking of you and keeping you both in my prayers...God Bless Sam and I hope no more mail shots will be sent to your sister...

God Bless...Koik
_________________
Husband diagnosed with stage 1V NSCLC Febuary 2007.....Lost his battle August 27th 2008 but lives on in my heart.

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